Army Reserve Enrichment Camp

Army Reserve Enrichment Camp (AREC) is a five- seven day residential camping experience for youth organized by Army Reserve Child, Youth & School Services in partnership with an American Camping Association Accredited residential camp. AREC helps to reduce feelings of isolation among Army Reserve youth who do not typically live in communities with large numbers of military youth like those found near an installation. Campers participate in meaningful activities that build skills in leadership, independence, peer relationships, self esteem, adventure and exploration. Campers also develop skills to handle the rigors of deployment and have opportunities to share their personal experiences with other campers and adult advisors who staff the camps.

What has AREC done?

To date, AREC has served 351 Army Reserve connected youth and will serve 1,000 more in the summer of 2009. Youth that have participated in camping activities have reported growth in the specific areas of: self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, adventure and exploration and spirituality. Through the camping experience, youth create a network of peers and adult advisors that serve to increase feelings of cohesion with the Army Reserve community and support during deployment. Additionally, community youth serving organizations that host AREC become educated on issues important to military youth and are better prepared to meet their unique needs.

What continued efforts does the Army Reserve have planned for the future?

Child, Youth & School Services recognize the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for participation that translates into resilient youngsters. Summer camp is a proven and enjoyable way to foster that self-righting resilience so imperative to military life. Not surprisingly, the Army recognizes that there is something special about summer camp and thus, through community partnerships, offers the opportunity to attend camp to geographically dispersed youths.

Why is this important to the Army Reserve?

Army leaders recognize that the strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their families. AREC can provide Army Reserve youth an opportunity to become proficient in skills needed to successfully cope with the stress brought about by military life like frequent and multiple deployments, relocation, uncertainty about the future and feelings of isolation.

SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING

"This year, we are squeezing 234 years worth of gratitude into 12 months to honor the leaders who are the backbone of our Army - the NCOs. Army NCOs occupy that important piece of real estate where the boots meet the ground. The best plans aren't worth much without the right leaders on the ground to make them work."

- Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr., 8th U.S. Army commander, praising Army NCOs, on and off the Korean peninsula

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"Our NCO corps represents the most professional cohort of enlisted leaders in the world. They have the freedom and autonomy of independent thought and decisive action, which serves as a critical combat multiplier. They are the vanguard in preserving the freedoms each American citizen enjoys."

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